Helsinki is fast becoming one of Europe’s most coveted destinations for weekend trips or week long adventures. Finland’s capital city is small and intimate in comparison to other Scandinavian capitals and therefore lends itself to easy exploration whether your biggest passion is the great outdoors, arts and culture or simply shopping.

If being outdoors and active is your preferred holiday pastime, you will be delighted by the numerous walking and cycling paths which offer an ideal way to enjoy Helsinki’s parks, gardens and markets. Nearby beaches and small islands are a popular choice with residents and tourists alike. The closest beach to the city centre lies at Hietaniemi, a small and very popular curve of sand west of the city and within an easy to reach distance.

Even though Helsinki is Finland’s capital and thus centre of the countries cultural, financial and economic activity it still manages to set itself apart from other Finnish destinations. This is mostly due to the synthesis of Swedish and Russian influences which are visible throughout the city; from architecture to food and all things in between. The busy market square (kauppatori) is surrounded by fine 19th-century architecture to ogle, and you can partake in a spot of traditional shopping as fresh fish and produce is still sold off boats docked at the quay throughout summer.

For architectural interest you may also want to investigate Senate Square, the neoclassical heart of Helsinki with a magnificent cathedral, as well as the nearby Uspenski cathedral which has definite Russian influences.

Helsinki is a harbour city and you can jump on a boat from the quay that will take you to some of the small surrounding islands including that of Suomenlinna, the ‘fortress of Finland’. If water is your thing, you’ll enjoy a trip to Kaivopuisto park and Töölönlahti lake where canoeing and kayaking are popular activities.

Back on dry land the Esplanade that connects the harbour with Mannerheimintie, the main shopping street, is dotted with cafes where you can savour a brew and treat yourself to an authentic delicacy such as pulla, sweet cardamom-flavoured bread rings that make the perfect afternoon treat.

If your fun filled activities have left you in need of some relaxation head to the Kotiharjun Sauna in Kallio for a fantastically Finnish experience. This is Helsinki’s last remaining public wood-fired sauna, where you can enjoy a scrub-down and massage which will set up for whatever’s next on your list.

Weather wise, Helsinki enjoys a milder climate than much of Finland. The warmest months are generally June until September where temperatures hover around a comfortable 25°C and many bars, cafes and restaurants set up their outdoor tables for all to enjoy.